So girls, I haven’t had my period in 5 months.

No, I’m not pregnant. Yes, I am starting to get a little (a lot) concerned.

I came off the contraceptive pill in January after taking it for over 10 years. Like a lot of women my age, I was told as a 16 year old that it was perfectly healthy, would clear my annoying acne, ease my period pain and create a whole new world of convenience through the ability to “skip” periods.

Oh and of course, not fall pregnant.

And it did all of these things wonderfully.

But now, a decade or so later, a generation of us are starting to come off the pill for health reasons, to start a family or to just “see what happens”.

And what’s happening (or not happening in my case) is scary. I’ve heard stories of women gaining and losing cray-cray amounts of weight, getting full blown acne after years of clear skin and having irregular and painful periods. Or inexistent in my case.

But perhaps the most frightening side effects are miscarriage or inability to fall pregnant. Yes people, infertility.

Which sounds crazy. But think, the pill is designed to STOP you from falling pregnant. And if after years of controlling my cycles, my body still doesn’t “remember” how to menstruate, how on earth could I expect it to not only conceive (say if I wanted to fall pregnant right now) but to also maintain a healthy 9 month pregnancy?

‘Often women coming off the pill have long cycles or do not see a period return for on average six months… Women who conceive within 6 months of coming off the pill present with less red blood cells and plasma folate levels which can lead to recurrent miscarriage.’

Scary stuff. So is the fact that most women on the pill or who have recently come off the pill are deficient in zinc as it is one of the major essential minerals severely drawn out via the pill. And zinc deficiency can cause major behavioural problems in children, let alone causing prolonged labours, reduced skin elasticity in birth (think OUCH) and cracked nipples. Fun!

So after almost half a year without menstruating (my inner 16 year old Claire is going WHAT? THAT’S AWESOME!) I’m starting to get scared.

How did I naively believe for so long that taking this little drug everyday for most of my post-pubescent life was healthy and acceptable?

Well, basically it’s because it’s what we were told. Mostly. I went on the pill after only 12 months after getting my first period and I know people who were on it a lot earlier than that. I sure hope we don’t look back one day and go “Wow, that was a major fuck up in the history of women’s health”.

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I want to have children. One day. And I’ve grown to love the hell out of my body and myself. Which means taking my health seriously and making wellness a priority. Not choosing convenience and letting “Future Claire” deal with the consequences anymore.

So I’m off to the Naturopath this week to suss my hormones and work out this where-the-hell-is-my-period situation. I’ll keep you updated.

Until then, I’d love to know if you have ever come off the contraceptive pill and what reaction your body had. Or maybe you’re on the pill now but have been hearing similar freak-outs and concerns?

Let me know in the comments! And if you know anyone who would benefit from this post too, please feel free to share it.

NOTE: This post has now been updated here and here. (Psssst. I got my period back!)

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315 Comments

I guess I’m looking for some reassurance. I’ve just turned 30 and was put on OCs from the age of 17 to deal with really heavy and irregular periods. I tried a few different kinds and had a few breaks but finally settled on Yasmin which I’ve been taking for about 8 years. Last December, I came off it for good to give my body plenty of time to re-adjust before we try to get pregnant. My period came back straight away and the first couple of months were fairly regular (approx 31-32 day cycles). Fast forward 6 months and now I’m on day 36 and still no period but for the last few days, I’ve had swollen breasts and a strong feeling of swelling and discomfort where I would normally be getting cramps. My hormones have also been all over the place. Have taken 2 pregnancy tests and both were negative. Now I’m being an idiot and googling things and have convinced myself I’m going through early menopause like my mum. I’m going to head to the GP tomorrow but has anyone experienced anything similar?

Hey.. My name’s Vee. I’ve experienced heavy irregular periods ever since I started (when I was about 11-12 yrs old). I’m 32 now (about to turn 33 next month). I was on BC (OrthoTricyclen Lo) for almost 10 years! (due to endometriosis & 2 laparascopy procedures to remove a cyst). This year, I decided to go off them (Reason being: I was having a lot of trouble sleeping. I would go nights without any sleep & it was affecting me in everything, including work). After I got off of them, I had a regular period (lasted 5 days) in June & then again on July 22nd (lasted the same amount of time but it seemed a little heavier than the prev one). Now.. absolutely nothing! It’s been 26 days since the First day of my last cycle. I’ve had all the classic symptoms of my period (some cramps, irritability, increase in appetite & general malaise) but no discharge. I’m going to see my Ob/gyn in the next month or so if I don’t get my period. (I’m definitely not pregnant)

This is me! I was on Yasmin for about 6 years, stopped taking it at the end of April and have had a regular 26 day cycle since then. I am now 6 days late, 2 negative home pregnancy tests and a negative blood test… And wanting to fall pregnant! He checked my thyroid and that was all normal. I am not sure what the next step is, but the doctor said to just wait it out.

Hi everyone I’m Laura I’m 30 yes old and a mother to a 7 year old 🙂
I took my last the pill in a packet on 2nd September this year, had a bleed as usual, I then had a normal 6 day period on 8th October ( 2days before my wedding of all times!!) and I haven’t had anything since!! It’s so infuriating not knowing what is going on with my body. My doctor has told I have to wait until at least Easter before going back but I’m booked in for a full internal pelvic exam in 2 weeks time to check for any underlying issues as out of no where I find it painful to have sex.. Great when trying conceive.. NOT! Any advice would be appreciated.

Painful sex may be brought on from the change in your hormones due to coming off the pill. Usually it happens the other way around and the pain is increased when on the pill. Talk to your doctor about getting s hormone test and using topical hormones. Google vulvodynia and the pill for more info. Good luck!

You know what this post infuriates me and I haven’t even read it all. Why? I wasn’t ready to be pregnant but a naturapath recommended I go off the pill because of the long term side effects on hormonal health and fertility.

I understand it can be scary and unfair if you can’t get pregnant after a decade of being on the pill but you don’t want to scare people into stopping it for fear they can never conceive.

The flip side is, I was not ready, am not ready to be pregnant and you can’t just recommend people go off the pill before they fully comprehend a) how to manage their natural contraception (or lack of the latter) or b) the risks of getting pregnant when not ready.

THIS BLOG IS LITTERALLY ME! On the pill since I was 15, had my periods for less then a year! Was on the pill for 12 years straight! Now I’m 8 months with no period. Been diagnosed with PCOS dr wants me to
Wait 12 months before referring me to a OBGYN. I’m booked in to see a naturopath this week! Wish me luck!!!! Xx

Can we take a second to realize that half the people in this topic are facing this after specifically taking Yasmin! I too am 26 took it for 10 years and went off for personal reasons to stop putting weird foreign hormones in my body. I got my period from February through August and now nothing! I’m ten days late and one pregnant you test negative…

Soo ladies I’m in the same boat and I see everyone else is to!!! But what the heck is going on? Does anyone have any answers? Has anyone figured out why their period hasn’t came?
My period came 6 months after me coming off the pill had a period for 17 days, then now nothing it’s been almost a month since then and I’m cramping but nothing there at all. Any help on what you ladies found out would be great!! I can’t seem to get answers anywhere

Hello, just wanted to give people some reassurance . I had spotting/no period for two months whilst on Yasmin – which was very different to my usual heavy periods. I was advised to come off the pill (beginning of November 2016) – I did not have a period until today ! 64 days with no AF! Tips to get AF back after bc : evening primrose oil, zinc tablets, Kira hormonal balance tablets, daily self fertility massages/back shoulder massage, running, ginger tea, papaya fruit, oranges and lots of green vegetables!

Hello I had used birth control pill for 8 months. I stopped using it on 27 December in between. Then I started withdraw bleeding on 29 December and it last for 7 days. But till today I dint get any period. Would u plz tell me what. I will have my first period after this withdrawal bleeding? I dint have sex after bleeding till now. So it is sure very much that I m not pregnant.

I thought I’d post as you’re the most recent reply. How is everyone getting on? I think from what I can gather were all in a similar boat, all reasonably similar ago I definitely agree that a closer eye on your contraception pill and regular ‘breaks’ should be enforced because for most of us this situation is so stressful and heartbreaking. I came off my pill and had regular period for about 5 months, then a one day period, 2 normal periods and I’ve missed a period this month. Negative pregnancy test. I’m going to the doctors in the next week for some answers, help and support – if anyone is interested I can share what they say. Although I’m slightly concerned that they’ll fob me off, try to remain positive though! X

You guys I have struggled for a year trying to get my period back after using birth control . and the ONLY thing that has worked for me is taking maca powder . It’s a herbal supplement you can buy at a gnc or vitamin store and it’s like 20 bucks . I took one pill in morning and one pill at night, for ONLY three weeks …and OMG !! my period is back . Not having a period for a year , made me tired all the time , and my sleeping patterns were all messed up . I was so hormonally imbalanced after birth control, maca has combatted all those issues . I sleep so much better at night and have more energy throughout the day . Do your research and see if maca is a fit for you .

Currently going through a similar thing (hence the google search and how I found your post) have only been on the pill for the last 7 years, but it was increasing the severity and occurrence of my migraines (hereditary) and I was told that should never have been put on it in the first place as with a vascular condition I was far more likely to have a stoke 😐 LOVELY 🙂 .. since I have stopped taking the pill I have experienced a few up-sides, like being able to lose those stubborn last 5kgs and I have not had one migraine since.. other than that I’ve gone from a C-Cup to an A-Cup, my memory has become a shiv and I have not had a period in 3 & 1/2 months .. which scares the heck out of me 🙁 I was not someone who had heavy periods to begin with .. but they were alwayssss regular ..

I am not sure if I should go and see someone or like all the GP’s are recommending ‘just wait it out’ 🙁

I’m going through the same thing! I got off the pill in November after being on for 3 years, had two regular periods afterwards… and now it’s been 53 days since my last period. I’ve taken numerous pregnancy tests and am having a blood test in two to three weeks time if I still haven’t gotten it. I’ve lost 5kgs and am worried my period won’t return. We were hoping to start a family this year…. but maybe it won’t happen!

I stopped using since September 1st week after finishing the 7 last tablet while having my period..Still got my period on the 2nd month of October.That was the last time until now..I’d like to ask if this was normal..

Hello! Similar thing here too, (actually quite glad i found this when googling!) I came off Yasmin in September after using contraceptive pills for 10 years. I’m 25 and wanting to start a family in the next few years, plus i was just fed up and wanted my body to go back to been natural. I had natural periods in November and in December, so I thought everything was going well… It’s now nearly been 4 months since my last period which i find odd considering they came back more or less straight away! Its very frustrating and scary. I don’t feel like a woman! So I couldn’t just “wait it out”. I went to see my GP but all he did was have me do a pregnancy test (which i know will be negative). I go back next week so hopefully i can get some answers!

I was on the pill for 3 years. I am off it for 2 months now. I had 2 normal periods and I’m 8 days late. Pregnancy test is negative. I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t ever skip my period. Please help

This is exactly my same scenario. I went off bc in Dec 2015 (orthotricyclin high dose) for like 18 years… I feel like an idiot that I just did this for so long not even thinking about it. My first period after was 35 days, and next 3 were all 28/29 days so I thought for sure I was back to normal but now I’m at CD 33 and nothing. I’ve had cramps and even pre AF spotting (brown old blood discharge) but then just nothing. I’ve taken 3 prego tests including one at the doctor and nothing…. I’m 33, soon to be 34 and hoping to conceive soon. Just so frustrating that I feel like I don’t know my body at all :-(.

Same thing. Was on bc for a year, came off, had 2 normal cycles right away, and now I’m 10 days late. Has anyone found out why? Negative pregnancy test as well.

PaigeOct 11, 2016 @ 15:10

Same thing!! I went off bcp at the beginning of July because the hormones were affecting me too much, and I had two periods about 22/23 days apart, and now it’s been almost 8 weeks since my period! I’ve taken 2 home preg tests and a urine preg test at the dr, and all have been negative. I’ve been getting crazy mood swings, had spotting about a week and a half ago that was very light and brown in color, I am starting to have heartburn and slight nausea, and I just have no idea what else could be wrong. Dr says sometimes this just happens and after 3 months or so with no period, they start testing for hormonal/thyroid/other problems. It’s so frustrating!

Hi guys does anyone mind if I recommend something for regulating hormones

TinaSep 29, 2017 @ 00:20

I’m in the exact same boat as you. You’re not alone. I took birth control for 9 years. Was surprised to see my first two periods were totally normal and on time.. Now I’m 10 days late. Negative birth control test. I’m going to take another one this weekend

I had the same problem. 2 months regular period and then nothing. Doctor said that’s normal and it’s just my body getting back on track. I was on different birth controls for almost 15 years. Friend is a midwife and also agreed that my body is just slowly working through the kinks

I started taking BC when I was 21 due to terrible acne and an irregular period. Fast forward 6 years, and my husband and I decided I should stop taking it in order to prepare starting a family. That was a few months ago. No period in sight, and 3 negative pregnancy tests. I’m going to an OB/GYN next week to see what’s going on. I am glad I am not the only one, but at the same time I’m just so frustrated.

I have a very similar story. I went on the pill when I was 16 for acne, but I must admit I was terrible at remembering to take it and loved being able to miss my period if I knew we were going on a beach holiday etc.. so fast forward 12 years about 12 months ago I came off the pill for health reasons (years of feeling sick after every meal, realizing the issue started when I went on the pill, I dont think the pill caused this but it didn’t help it either) I got my period the first two months.. then nothing for the last 10 months.. I also noticed when I first went on the pill I put on 5 kgs which came off when I stopped taking it and for me one of the most demoralizing things since coming off it was my hair falling out rapidly, I already had quite thin hair so any loss was just soo hard for me .. I’ve been seeing a naturopath who thinks it’s polycystic ovaries but because of all my gut issues has been struggling to know what to do with me.. and I don’t fit the profile because I’m not over weight, I think I may need to find a different naturopath. I think it’s really important now that I’ve had a bit of experience and read this blog and know that there are people who deal with this issue, to find a Good naturopath, one that has had known results, which can be really hard. I’ve also tried a kinesiologist who gave me some herbs and did some adjustments and said I should get my period in 10 days.. I had some lite cramping and breast tenderness but it’s been 3 months haha!! .. talking to friends is always interesting, one of my friends was having her period every 2 weeks and started taking evening primrose oil regularly and she swears by it.. I thought I’d give it a go.. I’ve been on it for a month and I’m not really sure, all I know is I have felt like I’ve had pms and extremely tender breasts and some slight breast growth (which is very welcome) in the last 2 weeks..could be something, but I won’t get my hopes up.. I have an appointment with a gp to get my results from an ultrasound of my ovaries this week so it will be interesting to see what happens.. thank you for posting this blog.. I was starting to wonder if I was the only one, but I can see how common it is. I completely agree that as much as I love the convenience of not having a period I don’t really feel like a woman and it’s a little bit of a worry! ( are my ovaries going to explode or what??) It’s far too long to not have a monthly cycle.. so thank you.. I’ll keep waiting in anticipation.. and if anyone knows a good naturopath in southern nsw Australia I’d love to know about them!!

Hi, I feel a little bit better. Kind of.
I went on BC when i was 13years of age due to developing at a young age and having a irregular cycle. I stopped taking the pill in 2012.
And got the rod put in for 3 years.
I got the rod taking out on july 2014.
I had 3 normal cycles, (7days). And stopped for about 6 months, I went to the doc and found out i have a primart cyst on my ovarie.
He said it was common and it was fine and to just wait it out due to being on bc for a long time. This was in May 2015.
I had a period in june and july.
July was very, very heavy.
And now im still waiting. Its so hard because my partner and I want to starr a family.
#over Waiting.

Hi Ladies!
So I got engaged in April this year and my fiance and I have been wanting to use Natural Family Planning (NFP) when we get married and start having sex (we aren’t having sex until marriage 😀 woot! ).
So in the second last week of August this year I decided to go off the pill cold turkey and ‘see what happened’- and also so we can see what this whole NFP thing is about.
It’s now the 1st of October and I haven’t got my period yet…. I’ve started to get a little worried :/

The first week after I stopped the pill I started to get really bad nausea- it reminded me of what morning sickness would feel like. During this week I was also very emotional, small little things would make me tear up and cry. Also my breasts started to ache, i was tired a lot and some light cramping but apart from that it was a-okay!

So second month in without a period and quite a lot of google searching later, my fiance and I have safely rules out the nervous thought that i may be pregnant- more like immaculate conception lol!
Thanks for posting this, it has definitely made us both a lot less anxious about my period not coming back as soon as we thought!

Hi there,
Im 28, and had been on the pill 14 years. I decided enough was enough and that I didn’t want to put any more foreign bodies into my body, so in Jan 15 I stopped taking the pill. It’s been over 10 months, no period. I have no other symptoms described above such as no changes in skin, mood, eating or sleeping habits but no period. I gave however completely lost my libido. I went to the Dr who sent me for a pelvic scan which revealed nothing and the nurse said all looked ‘fine and health’ and that it would happen (this was in the sixth month), and I have since tried reiki healing. I had been on: Yasmin, dianette, Celia (or something like that) and for 8 of the 14 years microgynon. I don’t wNt children, however I’d like to understand what’s going on, why and what needs to be done without putting more drugs in to my body.

Did you ever get your period back? I’m in the same boat currently 6 months with no period after being on the pill for 13 years. My husband and I are TTC so it’s very frustrating not knowing when I’ll get a period.

So I stopped my pill in May I had a period in June, then another in July which was two weeks late but have had nothing from then…. Ive taken many pregnancy tests and have even been to the doctors for two blood tests but all negative….. Im starting to really worry I just hate not liking where I stand.. I was really regular before being on the pill but was on the pill for over 10 years. Any help would be appreciated?!?

Dawn I’m in the same boat
My name is Janell I’m 33. I started taking the BC pill when I was 16 the first time it went off the pill i pregnant right away the second time I went off the pill I got pregnant right away. In January I got the procedure Esure done it’s basically getting your tubes tied out patient it was extremely painful anyway I had one period after I went off the pill and have had one in 9 months I had a check up everything normal they gave me a pill to hopefully bring back my period I was advised that its not healthy to go more than 3 months without a period like Dawn I also lost my libido and I really want it back for the sake of my marriage. Has anyone found a reason or cure for this. Please help

After coming off the contraceptive pill over a year ago, I patiently waited for my first ‘normal’ period. And waited. And waited. Nine months and two trips to the doctors later (where the best advice I got was to stress less and eat more) there was still no sign. My mum had read online that flax seed has the potential to regulate your menstrual cycle and so, with nothing to lose, I started putting two heaped spoonfuls on top of my breakfast every day.

Two weeks later, my period arrived. And it has worked like clockwork ever since.

Coincidence? Maybe. But given all the extra health benefits of flax seed, I would persuade anyone struggling with this problem to give it a go.

Hey everyone, here’s some reassurance for those of you who have not had a normal period since going off the pill:

I was on the Yasmin contraceptive pill for approximately 4-5 years. I stopped taking the pill in October 2013 and did not get my period until the 23rd August 2015. It took almost two years for my body to resume its normal cycle.

I had friends who experienced their normal cycle as soon as they went off the pill. So, as you can imagine, I was very concerned when my period didn’t return within 6 months of going off Yasmin. I wondered whether my fertility was affected and how long it would take for my cycle to resume as normal. I had blood tests, internal and external ultrasounds conducted. There was nothing in the results to indicate any hormonal or physical abnormalities (such as polycystic ovary syndrome). I figured everyone’s body responds differently to the pill, so I waited it out.

My period eventually returned on the 23rd August 2015, and lasted for about 4 days. However, today is the 28th October 2015 and I still haven’t had my second period. So It looks as though it will take some time for my body to resume the normal monthly cycle.

Hi, I have the same problem as you, I came off the pill after 3yrs in December 2015 and waited till April 2016 to get my first natural period and now I haven’t had a period since and it’s been 7months now! I’ve also been for a scam and back to the Docters where they say it’s slight pcos and now I’m waiting to do blood test. Thing is my periods where never this irregular before I took the pill. I might of missed odd one or been late but I’ve never had it like this before. Sometimes I feel like my period is coming and it never comes. Have you had your period come back yet?

Hey ladies,
I’m in the same boat. I have been on birth control since having my son back in 2005. Two months ago I stopped the pill, had a completely normal period the following month and now…. nothing. I have taken tests, results were negative. My obgyn doesn’t sound to concerned at all, however I am. I have always been regular, maybe late by a few days here and there. I’m worried

I cane across this post while looking up symptoms..and I can reassure you it will be fine! I came off my combined pill about 4 years ago and everything went like clockwork. I then met my partner and decided to go back on the pill, however my doctor told me that I couldnt take the combined pill anymore due to Migraines so I was put on Cerelle (progesterone only mini pill)….lets just say this pill did not agree with me at all I didnt have a period at all whilst taking it I had all the usual horror side effects and was convinced I was pregnant! (Cerelle can give you pregnancy side effects including the feeling of a baby moving!…weird!) Anyway I finally decided to come off that pill and was petrified when I had no period… i once again had pregnancy hormones but this time worse! .. eventually after about 7 months I had my first period (wasnt much but it was there! Sorry tmi) after that my body started to regulate itself!…..then 9 months after I came off the pill silly old me decides to go back on another mini pill! No side effects but having no period just doesnt feel healthy to me! And I am now off that pill (1 month) and in the process of dealing with it! You have to remember these false hormones have been put in our bodies for nearly 10 years sometimes and our bodies are used to using these rather than using its own supply! Its like a cold turkey detox! You will get side effects, it will take a while! But bare with it! Our bodies have to re-learn how to be normal again and I will tell you now it may take 6 months/1 year/2 years but give it chance dont stress because being stressed can actually stop your period! Just relax be healthy and dont do what I did and give up and go back on the pill! I feel alot more confident second time round as it is scary when you dont know what to expect! I hope this helps girls! 🙂 Good Luck!

I had been on Levlen for approximately 14 years as I suffered from terrible period pain (all the girls in my family do) and after developing migraines 8 months ago and some anxiety, something just told me I should maybe stop the pill. I am 33 years old. I then decided to see a naturopath who put me on to magnesium, vit B, vit E and evening primrose oil. The magnesium was for the migraines and apparently when we are on the pill we are depleted of vitamin B (also Australian soil apparently does not have much magnesium). The primrose oil was for the period pain and the vitamin e for my bad circulation (hereditary). After one month I got my normal period and have regularly since (it has only been 4 months since stopping the pill). After the third month, I developed some bumpy skin along my jawline and some pimples on my neck. My naturopath has advised taking zinc to combat this so I will see how it goes. Although my skin is not wonderful at the moment, I am keeping in mind that I had been taking the pill for 14 years and it will take some time for my body to adjust! And in the grand scheme of life, what are a few pimples. I have to say I feel more like myself and my mood is more stable and I actually feel wonderful being medication free and letting my body do its natural thing. I am so happy that I made the decision to stop taking it 🙂

I was on and off birth control(the shot) all this year and then I decided to stop getting it because of the excessive weight I gained. It ended in October and I spotted a few days in November and now I still havent had a period. Does anyone know what could be wrong?

I’m in the same boat. I came off Diane first week of June last year and still no period… I got my “fake period” the week i came off the pill but since then, radio silence.

Over the last 7 months i have noticed huge changes in my body – dropped a cup size, increased weight gain around my mid section – I’ve always been very slim here so that’s not fun, acne – bad. First, i thought i was getting warts on my face as they were so huge and nasty. Now just under the skin small pimples – all over my face, neck, chest, back and shoulders – i’ve just noticed it’s spreading down my back further – joy. I think this is the worst of all because I’ve always had great skin – it’s a huge blow to my confidence.

Is it best to go to a doctor, have all my bloods tested and then use a natropath? I dont want to be given the bog standard go back on the pill to regulate…

Hi Kate, I just came off Diane a week before Christmas to try sort some issues I’ve been having. I had been on Diane for 6.5 years to help with PCOS symptoms after my 5th (and final) child. I came across this post wondering when I should expect my cycle to return, looks like no one really knows and it’s just an individual thing. My natural cycle was always problematic to begin with. I have noticed I’ve dropped a cup size already (not impressed), still can’t shift those stubborn kilos no matter what I do (I thought Diane may have made it difficult). Still early days for me.
My sister who is into natural therapies suggested a naturopath may be the right way to go for me but as I said, still early for me.

Hi ladies, so it seems coming off Diane really plays with us, my weight gain is incredible and also painful my stomach is like swallon and my back sore from the weight! Looks like I’m going to have to give up on the “it’s just changes” and watch what I eat. I’m booked into the doctor tomorrow but by the looks of it it’s pretty normal to not get your period straight away.

Hi Kate, I came off Diane in September 2015 after about 7/8years and my story sounds so similar to yours. I had my last ‘period’ while on the pill late September and stopped taking the pill after that. I haven’t had a period since, it’s now almost the end of March 2016. I’ve hit the 6 month mark and I’m worried about how much longer it will take. I’ve seen my doctor twice and all blood tests for hormones/thyroid and a pap have come back fine. I did lose a bit of weight in the months leading up to September (60kg, down to 52kg) due to traveling for three months and a huge change to my diet, walking many many kms per day and not exercising/lifting weights like I normally would (most of the weight would have been lost muscle mass) so this made my bmi in the underweight range, however I steadily gained weight and am now in the healthy bmi weight range (57.5kg for 169cm). (I know bmi is such an old system and not quite accurate in terms of body composition, but it’s just what the doctor used and explained) I also experienced massive hair loss after i came off it, which seems to have ceased now, but my hair was already quite thin so it has hit me hard. I’m starting to wonder how much longer it will take for my periods to return, as my husband and I would love to start trying to conceive…I just turned 27.

Hey Miranda
I am just wondering how long it took to get a period back?
Your story sounds so similar to mine…i am at 6months after stopping the pill and no period…i was on it for 10/11 years and i really want to conceive. It’s very disheartening knowing its taking a long time

I was on the pill for 6 or 7 years. Came off it and had my first real period 8 weeks (2 months) later. (So I know, not that long compared to some of you, but most people I know took about 2 months to get it back). Now it has been 6 weeks and I haven’t had my second period so naturally I’m freaking out even with a negative test.

Ugh. It seems like most people return to normal after one period? Has anyone had difficulty getting the second?

Same here!.…… I stopped taking birth control in November 2015 because I thought it was bad for me. I started taking Femodene in the beginning of 2010 (I was 18), because of missed periods. This was probably because I lost a lot of weight in a short period of time. The doctor then reassured me I will not gain weight when using Femodene, and it will have an added benefit to control pimples. Great. Ever since then I gained 15 kilo’s in 6 years. I am furthermore suffering from depression since taking the pill. Since I stopped taking the pill I have excessive hair growth above my mouth and also on my toes. I also got so much Acne, even though I never had problem skin!… 5 months without my period really worry me, and I don’t want to be infertile.. What on earth did I do to my body?

This is 100% me. Actually I think my situation is longer than everyone elses! Same deal, I was put on the pill at 15 straight after I got my first couple of periods due to heaviness. Was on it for 10 years. At 25 I decided I wanted to go off it, see what it was like hormone free and all that jazz. It’s now been officially over a year and no period… I think I’m in my 13th month. Everytime I ask the gp they pretty much just say I can go get an ultra sound if I want to or just wait it out. They never really seem overly concerned. Im not sure at what point I’m supposed to be really concerned about this…. I completely agree with this post and hope that in the future they don’t tell us what a mistake it was to be putting young girls on the pilll… I mean, when I look back on it, it seems like a really stupid thing! Here’s to hoping I get my period soon….

yes!!!! thank you atleast I’m not the only one! I wish I was never put on them over ten years ago if I knew what it did to my body now! Shit thing is all my friends and family just say oh I never had a problem coming off the pill.. well excuse me but F*$# YOU!! wish I never went on them and starting to feel like a 40 year old even though I’m 28!! its soo shit and I just feel like a shadow of myself because I was outgoing and I weighed 10 kilos lighter since the bloody pill!! (no amount of exercise or healthy eating is helping me) I honestly just want to go back on them to feel normal!!!

So I had been on the pill for 10 years. Just recently came off it, had a normal period.. 7 days after it ended I got my period again! Should I be concerned? I don’t know or understand what is happening ?

Have found this very interesting – just started on this journey. Came off pill about a month or so after 21 years on various pills – my doctor hasn’t given me any advice/warnings about any of these things. When I came off the pill went through hot sweats and headaches so looks like I now have the mystery of when to expect my period to arrive to look forward to. Good luck girls – glad I am not trying for a baby you think docs would warn us how much these pills affect us and our prolonged fertility….

I have been on nacrez for 16 years with no period didn’t want children so I thought it was the best method I now know I was wrong because long use of the birth control pill causes endometrium atrophy so I will never have a period and as I am 48 the menopause is just round the corner anyone reading this do not use the pill as a method of birth control for long it’s ruined my life I have symptoms of menopause vag dryness but my fsh is still like I’m ovulating

Hi.. Im taking pills for 3 years now. Last month, april, ive already consumed all the tablets but didn’t have my menstrual period.. Already took pregnancy test but it was negative can someone give me advice of why does it happens?

I’m exactly the same I have been on the pill since I was 14 now 24 so ten years and have recently come off it to see how my hormones go without it and also would like a baby in the near future. I went off the pill in Jan got my first period pretty much straight away now it’s been 4 months without a period. I have also had a lot of symptoms since going off it ( I feel like I’ve just hit puberty) I have a new pimple everyday which sucks cause I have always had good skin I have sore boobs, I’ve lost about 5 kgs (which I’m not complaining) I also feel like i am sweating a lot more and a bit more odour also more hair growth and getting darker it all sucks I feel like I’m turning 15 lol one other thing I noticed is my libido has actually gotten stronger which is really weird. I almost feel like if I didn’t want a baby I would go straight back on the pill but I’m worried that may cause me to never have children (seeing as though it’s seems to take an awful long time to get a normal menstrul cycle back) I hope it all turns out ok guess it’s just a wait and see kind of thing at the moment.

Goodness. I’m so glad I came across this. I’ve struggled with a hormone imbalance and irregular periods most of my life. At 36, a doc suggested I try Birth Control (combination pill) to try to regulate my cycles, so even though I’m really fairly against synthetics, I decided to try it. It did regulate my cycle, but by year 2, I noticed I was so depressed and sick feeling every day that I wanted to stop taking them. My last pill was on March 3rd. I had my normal withdrawal bleed, then what seemed like a period about 25 days later, and then another 15 days later, and now nothing. Nothing. After 32 days. I’ve had what horrible PMS symptoms, and I feel like I’m about to start, but nothing. I took a test and it was negative, but that doesn’t stop me from freaking out over what is going on with my body. Everything else you read, and the doctors all make it seem like you go off the pill and your body is fine right away. You ovulate right away, you have a normal cycle, etc. None of my friends experienced any of this. I felt like I was the only one. And the pregnancy fears just multiply exponentially if that isn’t your intent. The stress of all of this could be making everything worse, too. If there’s still anyone on this thread, how have you dealt with the stress of feeling like your body is this complete stranger to you now? Or pregnancy fears even though you’re testing?

Yes I just recently posted below if you would like to read! It is very stressful, which obviously doesn’t help the situation. Its hard to just wait it out, when you feel like your body is running a bit hay wire!!

After immense, google searching. (never a good idea) I’ve finally found a blog I can relate to. At 26 years old, I decided to stop taking the pill, after a close 10 years on it. I was placed on the pill at age 16 for developing ovarian cyst. Seems like the pill is prescribed without a 2nd thought by these post. Any who, I wanted to see what my natural cycle would be like, and after years of being on it, I thought it was best to let my body naturally do its own thing. I received my cycle for 2 months after stopping and now at month three my period decided not to show, currently at day from expected cycle date. I’ve taken numerous test (5) to be exact each negative. At this time in my life I am not looking for pregnancy, however I do not want to have any issues in the future when I am ready! So, I’ve scheduled an appointment with a GYN, to make sure everything is okay, plus its time for a yearly. The waiting game is killer! Glad to see I am not alone on this journey!

I’m in a similar boat to you all. This is good because I feel like I’m not alone, but also scary at what the OC has been doing to our bodies. I’m 23, I was on the OC Levlen and came off March 2015. I was on it for approx 4 years. Prior to I had ‘normal’ periods (not heavy or painful etc) and a very regular cycle of 26 days. Fast forward until today- almost 16 months later. I have had not one period and have been to both a Naturopath and my GP. Bloods normal, pelvic ultrasound ( to determine if PCOS) normal ? systemic candida…diet changed and natural remedies tried.
Basically no answers. I was told just post pill ammenhorrhea and eventually menstruation will return….when though? that is the question.

I have been using the 2 month injection but now i’ve stopped n I haven’t met my menstruation and it’s been 3 months now and I’m really scared now I need to get my period back so I can start feeling human again

So here comes my craziness first off i have a underactive thyroid ….. which in itself sucks so rewind 10YEARS ago boom got pregnant which in itself was crazy since we didn’t use bc in 8 years with nothing so as soon as I accept my little bundle of joy I promise the following day I lost it heart breaking approx. One year after we once again found ourselves expecting and I demanded a ultra sound after 2nd ultrasound I was finally happy again then more heart breaking news at 16weeks which in my mind I thought thank the lord I made it threw my first trimester only for a heart beat to not be found and to make it all worse a dc&e was required this time . I had to get myself there mentally before i would let the surgery take place. As they wheeled me in thr the OR having dreamed about bleeding to death i told the dr I didn’t want a transfusion . Well needless to say I was 24weeks pregnant the baby died the placenta was still alive well in recovery I started bleeding almost to death seen all my vital s start dropping and thought now I’m going to go see my two babies. But here I am my husband talked me into a copper iud which for 5years was great be then massive blood clots low iron followed by iron infusion s so last year had it removed for 16 months I was on the mini pill and blood pressure issues they have taken me off for a month stress issues are what’s causing blood pressure but whatever. Anyhow two pregnacy tests later and both negative thank GOD seriously one more miscarriage and thr the closest mental ward will be my new address… oh by the way period s started when i was 11my question is where are my periods 46 days and a spot here or there but theyaare miss in action hopefully I’m in early medipause hahaha I wish

This post has helped me a lot. I started taking birth control 3 1/2 years ago. I stopped taking birth control in March, mostly because it caused my depression to spark random episodes but also because me and my partner wouldn’t mind starting a family. I finished the pack March 9th, 2016 and haven’t had bleeding or anything at all since my normal “bleeding” from the withdraw. This is really stressing me out because i want to start my period again natually, so I’ve been avoiding going to the doctor. I read about Dong Quai helping so i starting taking that recently. Any advice or help at all would be helpful.

I’m in a very similar position. I was put on birth control at age 17 because it was required while I was on accutane. I decided to just continue taking birth control because I was in a serious relationship. Fast forward 3 years and I stopped taking birth control simply because I did not renew my prescription. I got my period the first two months after getting off birth control but now it’s been 51 days since my last period. It may sound cool at first, not having a period, but now I am concerened. I took two pregnancy tests and also went to the hospital and they have all said negative. The doctors did not seem concerned at all. After reading all of these posts I see this has happened to quite a few of us, I’m not sure if I should wait it out or to see a doctor again?

My wife and I had been trying to conceive since December 2015. Both of us have healthy children ages 4 & 7 from prior relationships. So we knew we were capable of making babies. Month after month we kept getting negative pregnancy tests. Every month her heart was broken. started to track ovulation after about three months of trying. Still kept getting negatives for two months. I finally go online to search for help from infertilitycurecenter @ gmail. com and my wife results came back fine, she went and got checked out she was fine. Found this product and ordered some of the boost, mobility, and fertile aid for her and I. we both were only taking them for about a month when we got our first positive pregnancy test. Couldn’t believe it!!! We are now 8-weeks pregnant and beyond happy!! We prayed and prayed each month for this to happen. Really feel that the medication helped us both out significantly! I finished out my supply and I got to say they made a difference in my overall health and energy. I highly recommend this product for anyone how is trying to conceive weather you are having trouble or not. It worked perfectly for us, very happy with the results!!! Can wait to meet our lil bundle of joy in January!! So happy! contact Dr. Godsent today on Email: infertilitycurecenter @ gmail. com! Great supplement for overall health and trying to conceive!

I have been on various pills for the last 22 years!! Out in it at 11 as my periods were 2 weeks on 2 weeks off, I am now 33, 34 in May, I came off it due to wanting to stop putting hormones into my body and with a view to having children in the not too distant future! It’s been 5 weeks since I stopped, and expected to have bled by now, but nothing, and not had intercourse so can’t be pregnant! Terrified of screwed up my fertility long term and my dream won’t come true! ? If nothing by end of Jan I will be going to the GP!

I was on Yasmin for about12 years and came off it at the end of july and had my period as normal a few days later, then it was 6 weeks till my next period then I had another one 2 weeks later on 26th September and I have had nothing since.. I have been to my GP and she just gave me a blood test to see if I was pregnant and it came back negative.. I really don’t know what else I can do except wait (which is very frustrating when I am trying to get pregnant)

I’m having the same problem I was on yaz for a year. I have PCOS which causes my periods to be random and I get really sick and I also have acne. I decided to go off it because I didn’t want to keep pumping my body with hormones. I haven’t gotten my period in 5 months. I know I’m not pregnant for a fact. I am considering going back on it to just start getting my period again but I am not sure what to do. I would go to a gynecologist but I won’t be in country for a while.

Hi!! Okay SOS – I’ve been off Yasmin (after taking it for approximately 10 years) for about 6-7 weeks now…. all was okay (hair started falling out but I knew to expect that), and all signs of BV and yeast infections banished huzzah! Except for the last 3 days I have had an extremely dry mouth and metallic taste in my mouth… I’m not sick otherwise and not taking any other medication. I know this is a sign of perimenopause (!!) but I’m 27 so don’t think it could be that….?! Has anyone else experienced this??

Hey all,
I’m having the opposite problem. Since being on bc I only get my period once or twice a year? I take sugar pills monthly, have been checked for PCOS (negative) and just don’t know what is wrong. Has this happened to anyone else? All the drs have been hopeless

Hello I had used birth control pill for 8 months. I stopped using it on 27 December in between. Then I started withdraw bleeding on 29 December and it last for 7 days. But till today I dint get any period. Would u plz tell me what. I will have my first period after this withdrawal bleeding? I dint have sex after bleeding till now. So it is sure very much that I m not pregnant.

Hello I had used birth control pill for 8 months. I stopped using it on 27 December in between. Then I started withdraw bleeding on 29 December and it last for 7 days. But till today I dint get any period. Would u plz tell me what. I will have my first period after this withdrawal bleeding? I dint have sex after bleeding till now. So it is sure very much that I m not pregnant.
So just need to ask when my normal period will start?

Oh boy. Yeah I was on the pill for about five years a couple years ago. When I went off I didn’t have a period for about six months. When I did finally have my period, it was SO bad, and I ended up having three that month. No, I didn’t have a miscarriage, the was no way I could have been pregnant at the time. So yeah that was a little scary. Almost an entire month of my period going nuts. I thought it was nice not having periods while my body readjusted to not being on the pill, but the month of hell changed my mind. I had to leave work several times that month from nausea/vomiting and cramping pain. I went back on the pill this year and only ended up being on it for about four months because it was giving me serious mood swings and the side effects were really becoming impossible to deal with. So now I’m off the pill again, I just don’t think it’s right for me. It’s been three months off it and again, I’m irregular, but this time I knew this could happen so I’m not as afraid of my body being broken. In the last three months, I’ve had one random light period. What lead me to this article is that I’ve noticed I am still ovulating, but the period part of my cycle hasn’t seemed to come back regularly. So it’s just strange I guess. I suppose irregularity is understandable after going on and off hormones. The first time I went off birth control, my period did end up coming back after those six months, and it took about another three months for it to get regular again. Hope it comes back again! I want a regular cycle that functions how it’s supposed to and a natural healthy life.

I need some advise .. I have been taking birth control for about two years I recently moved and missed a few pills I was sexually active during that time and when I got to the last row of my pills I never got my period so I stopped taking the pills and it’s been about 2-3 weeks and still no period but I have a wierd feeling in my stomach and IV been super tired. My boyfriend thinks I should take a pregnancy test. Thoughts?

Bit of an old post but thought I would share anyway.. been on levlen ed for about ten years maybe more. Turned 28 this year and wanted to start a family. Went off the pill in February and it is now August. Only had two and very faint a that periods the last two months. Last period was ten days late and lasted a day and a half then nothing. Been to naturopath and she has given me tablets to increase estrogen. But since coming off the pill. I’ve put on 5 to 10 kilos ( I honestly don’t want to weigh myself and I am working out so much more to get no results really) I’ve gotten serious acne! My body has changed dramatically! I’m bloated almost all the time and it has really affected my self confidence! I found coming off the pill actually horrid and if I wasn’t trying to start a family I would have gone back on it! (Probably not really considering how much it screwed my body) it’s really sad to think that I didn’t even care about this when I was 17 and they never tell you anything about this! We should be more informed when we are younger of what these pills actually do and how they work in your body!

Hi Kay,
I am in the exact same situation atm!
Everything you said is what is happening to me. I got of them 3 months ago as want to start a family and atm am 5 days late and wishing I am pregnant but seen all these posts worries me a little bit.
If I would have known all this when I started taking them, I think I would have gotten off them much earlier.

Hi Jessica! Its sad that I don’t get updates on this post and was googling my symptoms again to find that I posted on this already!! lol ok so its now 2 months since the last post and still have been trying with tables my naturopath has recommended. ATM only have spotting (mostly when I pee) sorry too much info but thats it many negative tests and actually starting to feel like it will never happen! I have put on a couple more kilos!! I didn’t think it was possible but weird thing is Ive been working out so much harder and eating healthy and still bloated and not losing anything…. I honestly just want to know what the eff is going on with my body!!! I have been off the pill for 8 months now and I still have no normal period!!! this is beyond infuriating! especially if you are trying!!

Hi everyone, I came off the pill in May and seemed to go back to having periods every month no problem, but over the past couple of months they are becoming lighter and shorter, lasting no more than 3-4 days. I have been on the pill since I was 18 and always had quite heavy periods that lasted a week. I am now 12 days late, had a strange brown bleed about 10 days ago when I was due, not even heavy enough for a pantyliner and since then nothing. Dont know whats going on but its frustrating when you are finally trying for a family and your body isnt playing ball. I also think I have a UTI at the minute as cant stop peeing, but no pain. I have booked a doctors appointment for a week today so if I dont come on I’ll ask whats happening. Really hope I dont get fobbed off as I have always been regular and am scared there is something wrong. I cant believe how common it is reading all these posts, wishing everyone lots of luck! xx

I am turning 30 this year I had a child at 26 and after went back on the pill (was on the pill since 16/17 and got pregnant while on the pill) well after going back on when my daughter was about 2 we discussed trying for another so I came off and for 3 months could not get my period so I went to see a dr who suggested I go back on it for 3 months to regulate it then try to come back off
I did this went back on and about 2 months ago I went back off and I still don’t have my period again. I did notice when going off and on and off again that the pill made me feel depressed and lazy
I have gained a lot of weight and I see more acne now (not like huge break outs) but more then usual I never used to have break outs now I do.
I’m concerned I may never be able to have another child.

I started my period at 13 and it wasn’t always normal, it would skip about a month or two then I would have it again but it could be at the beginning of the month, middle or end. Never the same. I had really bad cramp and bleeding while I was on my period my period would last about a week sometimes 8 to 9 day’s the most. There was this one time I had my period twice in one month. I got on birth control at 18 but was off of it after about a year I had my period on and off for a while. Last year it stopped around August and I didn’t have another period until January of this year. Since then I haven’t had a period.

Hi, my name is Athena. I am 20 years old.I started my period at the age of around 12, and started contraceptive birth control at 18. I got married in December of last year after having been in a relationship for 5 years. That being said, we decided it best for me to stop the pill because 1. I was gaining weight from the pill, and 2. Me and him were getting baby fever. I stopped taking the pill about 4 months ago, and have yet to start which is making not only me, but my husband, concerned.

Not sure if this thread is still open, but wondering if anyone has been in my situation. I was diagnosed with PCOS at 19 and immediately placed on birth control as I had really heavy periods that came every 2 weeks. After 7 years of various pills including Dianette and Cerelle I decided I wanted to stop putting artificial hormones in my body and see what happened. I stopped taking the pill in October 2016, I had a withdrawal bleed followed by 2 normal periods. My last period was December 2016 and it’s now July 2018!! Nothing since. I get married next month and my fiancé and I are desperate for a baby after the wedding. Has anyone successfully conceived after this long with no period? That’s been 19 months with no period and I’m starting to really panic!

Hi I’m 18 and I’ve been on birth control pills since towards the end of last year. I got off them in june and was waiting on for my period which is meant to come today but didn’t. I’ve had sexual intercourse but we used protection. After that last time we had sex I kept getting these thoughts of being pregnant I searched and got scared even thought I haven’t experienced any of the symptoms and now that my period hasn’t come I’m more concerned. Is it because I’m off the pills so it’s going to take a while for my body to get used to it or am I pregnant please help.

I feel like there are a lot of stories and not many answers and if someone could please help me I would be beyond appreciative!. I have a story too.. I’ve never had a period until taking birth control. I must have been anywhere from 16-18 when this all started and then from this point on when I began birth control, I had periods. In December of last year I got married and in February I stopped taking the pills I always took my whole life since the beginning of birth control. It’s July now and I still haven’t gotten a period. Pregnancy tests say I am not pregnant, but is there any clear answer on when a period will come? Any advice or clarity would be much appreciated!!! Thank you and I wish everyone well!!

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